religion peace and conflict Flashcards
How is violence condemned in the Bible?
Violence is present in the Old Testament when Cain murders Abel from his own sinful heart - God condemns him and punishes him.
In the New Testament, Jesus speaks on the peacemakers being blessed in the Sermon on the Mount. He teaches his followers to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and turn the other cheek in response to violence.
Christians believe these to prove that violence is wrong in any context, so they should always look for peaceful solutions.
How is violence justified in the Bible?
In parts of the Old Testament, God condones the use of violence in the context of wars, fought by the Israelites, to claim and protect land they have been promised by God. HOWEVER, those wars are in the context of looking for peace.
In the NT, Jesus displayed righteous anger, reacting violently when coming across corrupt trading.
Many Christians interpret this to mean that war is justifiable in certain circumstances if it is the only way to establish a peaceful resolution.
Quote for Christian view on violence?
“Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed,” ~Genesis 9:6
Why might a Christian choose to serve in the armed forces?
They believe their service helps bring peace, protect innocent civilians and challenge the evil in the world.
Different Christian attitudes to an involvement in politics?
Some Christians, eg. the Plymouth Brethren, argue that it is wrong to get involved in politics, because authorities have been appointed by God, and so Christians should submit to them. They should also focus on spreading the Gospel instead of focusing on politics.
Other Christians might argue that it’s an active way to speak up against any injustice, so to serve God and effect change, it is a moral obligation.
Define and explain ‘Terrorism’.
Terrorism is the illegal use of violence to cause intimidation for political or religious aims, carried out against civilians. Terrorists resort to this, because they often feel there is no alternative, and it is an appropriate response to receiving fewer rights, wanting recognition, or against the marginalisation of minority groups.
Different Christian attitudes towards terrorism?
All Christian Churches believe the use of hatred, terror and violence is wrong, but that some of the causes of terrorism can be combatted through creating stronger communities.
The Catholic Church believes sometimes a response to terrorism is a just war, and the Church of England accept the use of lethal force as a last resort in dealing with terrorists.
Define ‘Just War’.
A war which is fought, meeting certain criteria to be justifiable, when all other options have been exhausted. Includes three areas - Jus ad bellum, Jus in bello, Jus post bellum.
Jus ad bellum?
Developed by Thomas Aquinas - Whether it is right to go to war in the first place - a just REASON, PURPOSE and METHOD
Jus in bello?
Actions taken DURING the war ie. Civilians should not be harmed.
Jus post bellum?
Actions taken AFTER the war ie. Punishing war criminals.
Christian attitudes to war?
War isn’t easily justified - we should be able to coexist peacefully, and aim for peace and justice, but sometimes war is necessary to achieve this. Christians also believe they should always pray for anyone involved in a war.
Catholics and Anglicans believe war is always regretful, because it means other peaceful means have failed.
Define ‘Holy War’.
An argument which states that physical violence is sometimes necessary, to DEFEND RELIGION ON BEHALF OF (AND WITH) GOD. They are authorised by a religious leader, and with a promised spiritual reward for those who take part.
Historical example of a Holy War?
From 1096 to 1478, Christians were involved in a series of Holy Wars, called the Crusades, as an attempt to reclaim the land of Jerusalem from Muslims. They were majorly unsuccessful though, and there was additional raiding and looting done, which could question the “holy/justness” of the war.
Modern day example of a Holy War?
In 2003, President Bush claimed he had been told by God to invade Iraq, as part of a mission to bring peace in the Middle East. A US Reverend however, countered this, saying “US soldiers are not Christian Crusaders and should not be depicted as such”.
Neither Catholic nor Anglican Churches have been called on for Holy Wars since the Crusades though.
Quotes for Just/Holy War?
“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” ~Matthew 5:43
“He will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide, They will beat their swords into plowshares,” ~Micah 4:3
Describe Christian attitudes to warfare
- excessive use of force (eg nuclear weapon) is something majority of christians oppose.
- methodist church condemns use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.
- christians do not agree with the use of drones in wars - death toll is inequal, too remote and reduces the awareness of the human cost of war.
